Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Guide

Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Guide

Contents Contents... 2 What is recognition of prior learning and credit transfer?... 3 Why should you apply?... 3 Information you should know before your apply... 4 Fees... 4 Preparation for and assessment of your RPL by assessment application... 4 Preparation for and assessment of your RPL by portfolio application... 6 Preparation for and assessment of credit transfer application... 7 Outcomes of assessment... 8 Flowchart of the process... 10 Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Guide_ November 2015.01_QC Page 2 of 11

What is recognition of prior learning and credit transfer? Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) RPL is an assessment process (as distinct from a training process) that determines the extent to which you meet the competency requirements (skills and knowledge) specified in the relevant training package (qualification, skill set or unit of competency) or VET accredited course by assessing the competencies you have acquired through: Formal learning this refers to learning that you may have undertaken through a structured program of instruction and is linked to the attainment of an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) qualification or statement of attainment (eg a certificate, diploma or university degree). Non-formal learning this refers to learning that you may have undertaken through a structured program of instruction, but does not lead to the attainment of an AQF qualification or statement of attainment (eg in-house professional development programs conducted by a business). Informal learning this refers to learning that you may have acquired through experience of work-related social, family, hobby or leisure activities (eg the acquisition of interpersonal skills developed through several years as a sales representative). RPL may be applied and granted for an entire qualification, skill set or unit of competency. There are two main pathways for undertaking your RPL: 1. RPL by assessment only. An assessment RPL is where you undertake the assessment tasks developed for the units of competency/modules, which will typically include a demonstration of your skills and your knowledge. 2. RPL by portfolio. A portfolio RPL is where you are assessed based on a range of documentation you collect and present to Partners in Training. In order for your skills to be formally recognised, assessors must make sure that you have the required skills and knowledge to meet the industry standard as specified in the relevant training package (qualification, skill set or unit of competency) or VET accredited course. You must be involved in the RPL process so that all the experience, skills and knowledge you have gained over time can be correctly identified and suitably demonstrated. This evidence is gathered and used in recognition of all or some of the units of competency/modules for the training package (qualification, skill set or unit of competency) or VET accredited course you wish to gain. All assessment requirements will be discussed with you in advance and you will be given the opportunity to ask questions and clarify requirements. Being prepared for the assessment process and knowing what you need to provide can save you valuable time and ensure that the RPL assessment is as simple and stress-free as possible. Credit Transfer Credit Transfer is a recognition process where credit is given to you for a unit of competency/module based on recognition of equivalent studies you have previously undertaken and successfully completed in a training package (qualification, skill set or unit of competency) or VET accredited course and which is evidenced by authenticated statements of attainment and/or records of results. Credit transfers may only be applied and granted for individual units of competency/modules contained in a qualification, skill set or VET accredited course as part of a program delivered by Partners in Training. You may not apply for credit transfer of an entire qualification. Partners in Training do not issue qualifications or statements of attainment that are achieved entirely through credit transfers for training completed at other training institutions. Why should you apply? If you apply for RPL and/or credit transfer and your application is successful you could: Reduce or eliminate the need for any training in skills and knowledge you already have. Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Guide_ November 2015.01_QC Page 3 of 11

Save time by not needing to attend any or a reduced number of classes and complete unnecessary work. Save money because you will not have to buy textbooks and other learning material. Complete your training in a shorter time. Advance to a higher level qualification in a shorter time if desired. Information you should know before your apply Your application must be submitted at the same time as your enrolment and must be assessed and the outcomes known prior to your course commencement (prior to you engaging in any training and/or assessment) Before you apply for RPL and/or credit transfer you should: Read, understand and follow this Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Guide. Obtain a Course Information Sheet from Partners in Training for the training product (qualification, skill set or unit of competency) or VET accredit course (or module) the subject of your application Enquire with Partners in Training as to the applicable fees and charges for your application Read and understand the requirements of the training product (qualification, skill set or unit of competency) or VET accredit course (or module) the subject of your application, available at traning.gov.au Fees For RPL assessment, Partners in Training charges a tuition fee that is equivalent to the tuition fee charged for enrolling and attending each unit of competency/module. You are required to pay the applicable tuition fee for each unit of competency/module as set out in the Course Information Sheet for the relevant training course, as well as the applicable administration fee, before your RPL application will be accepted. For credit transfers, Partners in Training do not charge any fees for processing credit transfer applications. If your application for credit transfer is successful, your tuition fee will be reduced to reflect any granted credit transfer. However, your enrolment in the relevant training course will not be accepted and any granted credit transfer will not be processed, until you pay all applicable tuition fees (reduced to reflect any granted credit transfer), administration fees and materials fees as set out in the Course Information Sheet for the relevant training course. For further information, please refer to Partners in Training s Student Fees and Charges Policy and Procedures which is available on our website. Preparation for and assessment of your RPL by assessment application An RPL by assessment is where you undertake the assessment tasks developed by Partners in Training for the relevant units of competency/modules in Partners in Training s training course for which you have prior learning. The RPL by assessment process will require you to demonstrate your current competency in the required skills and knowledge. Step 1 Self-evaluation and application You need to assess your current competence in one or more units of competency/modules in your training course before you decide to apply for RPL by assessment. You will need to complete an Enrolment Form to submit with your RPL application. You will need to complete the Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Guide available on Partners in Training s website or at any Partners in Training campus. It is important that you include and supply documentary evidence of all relevant Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Guide_ November 2015.01_QC Page 4 of 11

Step 2 Demonstration of your skills and knowledge information about your previous qualifications and employment. This will allow for an initial assessment of your skills, knowledge and experience to see whether or not you may be able to demonstrate the required skills and knowledge. You must be able to provide evidence against the elements and performance criteria and meet the critical aspects of evidence for the relevant units of competency/modules to prove that you are competent. It is not enough to simply state that you possess the skills and knowledge required. You must be able to demonstrate competence. Once you have completed an Enrolment Form and the Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Guide and made the decision that you would like to continue with the RPL by assessment, submit all of this documentation to Partners in Training. You must also pay all applicable tuition and administration fees before your application will be accepted. Your assessor will contact you (and your employer if applicable) to organise suitable times to conduct skills and knowledge assessments. This may occur at Partners in Training s campuses, your workplace or other suitable locations (as appropriate). Your assessor will provide you with the Partners in Training Student Guide and Workbook for the relevant units of competency/modules to assist you to understand the skills and knowledge assessments that you will be required to undertake. Skills assessment may include a combination of the following: Observation of key skills in a simulated environment or the workplace Observation role play Third party report This is your opportunity to demonstrate your level of competence on a practical level. The assessment will focus on the skills required in the unit of competency/module in which you are applying for recognition. Knowledge assessment may include a combination of the following: Workbook activities Written assignment questions Written assignment project / case study Written assignment journal Written assignment essay Observation presentation Observation interview Observation role play This is your opportunity to demonstrate your level of competence on a theoretical level. The assessment will focus on the knowledge required in the unit of competency/module in which you are applying for recognition. Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Guide_ November 2015.01_QC Page 5 of 11

Preparation for and assessment of your RPL by portfolio application A RPL by portfolio is where you are assessed based on a range of documentation you collect and present to Partners in Training for the relevant units of competency/modules in Partners in Training s training course for which you have prior learning. The RPL by portfolio process will require you to evidence your current competency in the required skills and knowledge. Step 1 Self-evaluation and application You need to assess your current competence in one or more units of competency/modules in your training course before you decide to apply for RPL by portfolio. You will need to complete an Enrolment Form to submit with your RPL application. You will need to complete the Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Guide available on Partners in Training s website or at any Partners in Training campus. It is important that you include and supply documentary evidence of all relevant information about your previous qualifications and employment. You must be able to provide evidence against the elements and performance criteria and meet the critical aspects of evidence for the relevant units of competency/modules to prove that you are competent. It is not enough to simply state that you possess the skills and knowledge required. You must be able to evidence current competence. This is your opportunity to provide as much proof as you can of the variety of experience you have. The documentary evidence you may wish to provide could include: Current resume Current and previous position descriptions Work samples Photographs of work undertaken (with you in the photo) Third party reports References or testimonials from employers, volunteer organisations, clubs and/or associations Records and content of professional development Certificates, statements of attainment and records of results Membership of relevant professional associations Related industry awards Any other documentation that may demonstrate your industry experience or support your claim This list is a guide only. If you have other suitable evidence to support your claim for RPL then you are encouraged to share this with your assessor. Depending on the industry you have worked in, you may or may not have documentary evidence available. This should not deter you from seeking RPL as the assessor will work with you throughout the RPL process. However, if you do not believe that you have any suitable evidence, then you should discuss your options with your assessor. It is important that sensitive information is not included as part of your supporting documentation. You may need authorisation from your employer to use some of your evidence. Client names, financial figures or other personal details should be deleted or made unidentifiable. You will also need to provide contact details for your professional referees. You should select professional referees from your current or previous employment who acted as your supervisor and who can validate your skills and knowledge. Think about who the best person to confirm your skill level would be. Think about current Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Guide_ November 2015.01_QC Page 6 of 11

or recent supervisors or employers who have observed your work and who would be able to confirm your previous work skills and experience. The assessor will need to contact them. Once you have completed an Enrolment Form and the Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Guide and made the decision that you would like to continue with the RPL by portfolio, submit all of this documentation to Partners in Training. You must also pay all applicable tuition and administration fees before your application will be accepted. Step 2 Interview with the assessor Step 3 Practical demonstration of your skills Step 4 Provision of further supporting evidence Your assessor will contact you to organise an interview. During your interview, the assessor will: Review, in consultation with you, the information and supporting documentation you have provided and match up your skills, knowledge and experience to the requirements of the units of competency/module. Discuss your work experience. Ask you questions relating to your work experience. This questioning forms part of the assessment as it will identify your current knowledge and skills. You may also be required to complete challenge tests to demonstrate the currency of your knowledge. Your assessor may need to organise with you (and your employer if applicable) a practical skills assessment in a simulated work environment or at your workplace (if appropriate) to demonstrate the currency of your skills. Your assessor will identify the skills they want you to demonstrate by asking you to complete certain tasks. Your assessor will need to confirm your previous work experience with your professional referees (such as your supervisor or employer) who can vouch for your skills over a period of time. Your assessor may: Contact your professional referees. Ask your workplace or previous employers to complete a Third Party Report. Authentication of any Third Party Report by the assessor will be required. Preparation for and assessment of credit transfer application Credit transfer is where you are given credit for equivalent units of competency/modules that you have successfully completed and which are evidenced by a statement of attainment or record of results. Step 1 Application You need to assess your currency and equivalency in one or more units of competency/modules in your training course before you decide to apply for credit transfer. You will need to complete an Enrolment Form to submit with your credit transfer application. You will need to complete the Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Guide available on Partners in Training s website or at any Partners in Training campus. You must supply an original or certified copy of the original of all statements of Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Guide_ November 2015.01_QC Page 7 of 11

attainment or records of result that evidence that you have successfully completed an equivalent unit of competency/module. Once you have completed an Enrolment Form and the Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Guide and made the decision that you would like to continue with the credit transfer application, submit all of this documentation to Partners in Training. Step 2 - Assessment Your assessor will assess your credit transfer application, taking into account the currency and equivalency of the completed units of competency/modules and any licencing condition or regulatory requirements. Your assessor will authenticate your supporting documentation by contacting the issuing registered training organisation or AQF authorised issuing organisation to confirm validity. Outcomes of assessment Student Administration will notify you in writing of the outcome of your application. You may contact you assessor if you would like further information on the outcome of your application. RPL Not Granted - You may not meet the requirements of the RPL assessment if gaps are identified. If you do have gaps, these may be addressed through additional training. Your assessor will contact you to discuss gap training arrangements and Training Manager/Coordinator will contact you regarding the applicable fees and charges. Granted - If you meet the requirements of the RPL assessment, you will be granted an RPL for the relevant units of competency/modules. Your Training Manager/Coordinator will, prior to your commencement in any training and assessment (required if RPL is not granted for entire training course): Make the required adjustments to your training and assessment to take into account the granted RPLs. This will usually include an amendment to your timetable as you will not be required to undertake training and assessment in any units of competency/modules for which you have been granted an RPL. Record any granted RPL on your Training Plan. Notify you of the adjustments to your training and assessment. Notify your Trainer and assessor of the adjustments to your training and assessment. Credit transfer Not Granted If you are not granted a credit transfer, your Training Manager/Coordinator will contact you to discuss your enrolment in and completion of the relevant units of competency/module as part of your training course and the applicable fees and charges. Granted - If you are granted a credit transfer, you will not be required to undertake training and assessment in that unit of competency/module. Student Administration will contact you to advise the tuition fee payable taking into account any granted credit transfer. You must pay the applicable tuition fee (reduced to take into account any granted credit transfer), administration fee and materials fee before your granted credit transfer will be processed as part of your enrolment. Your Training Coordinator/Manager will, prior to your commencement in training and assessment: Make the required adjustments to your training and assessment to take into account any granted credit transfer. This will usually include an amendment to your timetable as you will not Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Guide_ November 2015.01_QC Page 8 of 11

be required to undertake training and assessment in any units of competency/modules for which you have been granted a credit transfer. Record any granted credit transfer on your Training Plan. Notify you of the adjustments to your training and assessment. Notify your Trainer and assessor of the adjustments to your training and assessment. Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Guide_ November 2015.01_QC Page 9 of 11

Flowchart of the process Do you wish to apply for RPL and/or CT? No Yes Enrol in the full Training Package Complete an Enrolment Form and Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Application Form Choose the relevant application/s Credit Transfer RPL Assessment RPL Portfolio Collect originals/certified copies of originals of relevant Statements of Attainment and Records of Results Collect documentary evidence against requirements of Unit of Competency / Module Submit Enrolment Form, Recognition of Prior Learning / Competency and Credit Transfer Application Form and all supporting documentary evidence Pay required tuition and administration fees You will receive notification that your application has been accepted Assessor will contact you to arrange your assessment Assessor will contact you to arrange an interview Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Guide_ November 2015.01_QC Page 10 of 11

Assessor will conduct an assessment Assessor will conduct your assessment Assessor will conduct your interview, any required challenge tests, any required skills demonstrations and contact your professional referees Assessed as Granted or Not Granted Granted Student Administration will contact you to advise the reduced tuition fee for any granted credit transfer You must pay all fees Your enrolment and application will not be processed until you pay all fees You will receive notice from your Training Manager/ Coordinator of the adjustments to your training and assessment to take into account any granted credit transfer and these adjustments will be noted on your Training Plan Not Granted Your Training Manager/Coordinator will contact you to discuss your enrolment in and completion of the relevant units of competency/module as part of your training course and the applicable fees and charges Granted You will receive notice from your Training Manager/Coordinator of the adjustments to your training and assessment to take into account any granted RPL and these adjustments will be noted on your Training Plan Not Granted Your assessor will contact you to discuss gap training arrangements. Your Training Coordinator will contact you to discuss the applicable fees and charges for gap training Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Guide_ November 2015.01_QC Page 11 of 11